Guided by extensive community feedback and ongoing technical analysis, the City of Fort St. John has developed an initial concept scope for the new aquatic facility. Residents have consistently emphasized the need for a space that supports all ages and user groups, including families, seniors, recreational swimmers, and sports organizations alike.
Based on what we’ve heard so far, community-identified priority amenities included in Phase 1 of the concept are:
- Lap and leisure pools with accessible entries
- Hot pool, sauna, and steam room
- Waterslide and splash pad
- Indoor fieldhouse
- Shared lobby and support spaces
To maintain financial sustainability, the City is exploring a phased development model. The proposed Phase 2 would include:
- An outdoor turf field
- Gymnasium spaces
Through the Let’s Talk Aquatics Facility engagement, the City is seeking input on several design considerations and amenity priorities. Residents can participate in various ways until February 1:
- Online:
- Next Wave Survey
- Vote 4 Features: Dive & Decide
- In-person:
- Pop-up engagement opportunities
- Coffee with Council sessions
Your feedback will help refine the concept, guide design decisions, and ensure the project reflects community needs alongside best practices and financial analysis.
Over the coming months, the City will continue advancing the project by:
- Finalizing amenities based on public input
- Developing detailed site plans and facility designs
- Exploring funding sources, including grants, partnerships, cost‑sharing, borrowing, and sponsorships
- Preparing cost estimates and assessing potential tax impacts
- Conducting a public assent process to confirm community support
The City will continue to engage with residents throughout the planning and design process to ensure the future facility reflects the needs of our community.
For more information and to share your feedback, visit the Let's Talk Aquatics Facility webpage.
Proposed Aquatic Facility project background:
Between 2018 and 2025, the City of Fort St. John, the Peace River Regional District, and the District of Taylor worked together through the North Peace Leisure Facility Replacement Steering Committee to explore options for a new aquatics facility that would better meet the needs of residents today and in the future. In 2025, the City of Fort St. John assumed responsibility for the project. It established the Aquatic Facility Working Group to develop a plan for replacing the aging North Peace Leisure Pool.
Through the Working Group, the City of Fort St. John is building on years of public input and foundational studies to move forward with renewed focus and a shared goal of creating a modern, functional, and inclusive aquatics facility that serves our community now and well into the future. The Working Group includes City of Fort St. John staff, Council members, representatives from XJ Evergreen Estates Corp., and technical and project consultants.
In October 2025, the City signed a Letter of Intent with XJ Evergreen Estates Corp. for the preferred location for the new aquatics facility in the Parkwood Southlands development. Lot 1, located across from the Naache Commons development and Margaret “Ma” Murray Community School, was chosen for its convenient location, room for future growth, and ability to serve residents across the city.